There was an uncomfortable silence before she answered.“Ronald was lost in Afghanistan over six months ago Margo.” She replied evenly.“I’m so ...sorry.” I mumbled awkwardly, my blunder causing me to blush.Iris slid her hand through my arm. It’s OK Margo ... really, she said simply, “Come on! Lets show you the kitchen garden.”Later, in the cool of the library we relaxed into deep cushioned armchairs and with each of us holding a generous glass of brandy Iris took a deep sigh and began quietly. We gave each other knowing looks and laughed. He probably thought we were crazy. We fished until about two in the afternoon. It was ok but not great. We each caught a couple of fish and threw all but two back. Ray kept them; I already had enough to take home. Once Ray had gone I used the outdoor shower again. I tried to get her to join me, but she wasn’t interested. I asked her, “One more time?” She shook her head, “No, thanks, I’m kind of sore down there. I’m not used to all this screwing.. It really is a great job for me. Unfortunately, I have to work from ten at night to six in the morning most days. You’ll be seeing me drag myself home around seven or seven-thirty. I will be going to sleep while most of the world is waking up,” he said. “Well that kind of sucks,” I said with as much sympathy as I could muster. “Aw, it won’t be too bad. This is a dream job for a journalism major. Most of my classmates are working construction, or worse, food service, or something similar this. Your pool is clean, sir. I ll be back to clean it again tomorrow. Is thereanything I can do for you right now Xavier had actually delivered that last line in a deadpan manner.But Matt was 90% sure he knew what Xavier meant.Should Matt fence around the subject for a while Or go for it He decided. You re a very beautiful boy, Xavier. Xavier blushed. And thanked Matt.Matt wasn t expecting that.Nor was he expecting the next eight words and two sentences that hethought he would ever say: Ilike.